The invention concerns new computer aided methods and apparatus for
designing objects, particularly 3D objects, and especially those having a
sculpted form such as found in automobiles, boats, planes, furniture and
certain fashion apparel items. Preferred embodiments employ optical
sensing of the designers' hands, fingers, or styling implements, or his
sketches, in conjunction with large screen displays and several novel
software based methods which have the further advantage of direct
interface to conventional CAD (Computer Aided design) systems which are
then used to physically manifest the results as models, tooling or
whatever. Use of the invention not only saves time and cost, but allows,
in a "natural" way, much greater freedom of expression for the
artist/designer than any known computer based system.